This bill amends Title 39 of the U.S. Code to require the Postal Service to study and improve how its delivery vehicles are distributed. It directs the Postal Service to carry out an ongoing comprehensive assessment, to implement a strategic plan to increase vehicle availability in underserved areas, and to modernize the fleet with fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles as soon as practicable.
The bill also adds a yearly reporting requirement. By December 31 each year, the Postal Service must send a report to Congress and the Comptroller General (GAO). The report must include the current distribution of fleet vehicles by State and postal region, steps taken to enhance vehicle distribution in underserved areas, and recommendations for further improvements.
The bill defines key terms for the reports: a "rural area" uses Census Bureau definitions; an "underserved area" includes rural areas; postal regions where at least 50 percent of fleet vehicles are beyond their intended service life; counties with mail delays at least 20 percent above the national average; urban neighborhoods with poverty rates above 20 percent; and indigenous and Tribal lands. The amendments take effect 180 days after the act is enacted.
The Postal Service must track and report where its vehicles are located and how old they are. The law focuses attention on areas the bill labels "underserved," including rural places, certain counties with high mail delays, poor urban neighborhoods, and Tribal lands. The Postal Service is also directed to move toward more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
No publicly available information on funding or estimated costs is included in the bill text or metadata. The bill requires assessments, a strategic plan, vehicle modernization, and annual reports but does not specify appropriations or cost estimates.
No publicly available information on proponents' statements or detailed views is included in the bill text or metadata.
No publicly available information on opponents' statements or detailed views is included in the bill text or metadata.